A Central Investigation Team (SIT) has uncovered serious procedural lapses in the Ram Temple’s donation system. Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu allegedly kept custody of donation box keys without any written authorisation and facilitated his relative’s entry into the cash‑counting team.

Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)

  • Tinnu controlled donation box keys without written permission
  • Significant CCTV and audit‑recording failures
  • Prima facie case against seven individuals for misappropriation

In the ongoing investigation of alleged misappropriation of funds at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the Central Investigation Team (SIT) has zeroed in on Ramashankar Yadav, known as Tinnu. The report reveals that Tinnu retained the keys to multiple hundis (donation boxes) across the temple complex despite the absence of any formal written order or official authorisation.

Background and Administrative Lapse

The Ram Temple project, a landmark in India’s socio‑political landscape, relies heavily on public donations for its construction and upkeep. Such large‑scale inflows of money are normally governed by strict banking, audit, and governance protocols. The SIT labelled the practice of handing a single individual exclusive control over donation‑box keys—without documented delegation, accountability, or oversight—as “a major administrative lapse”.

Relative’s Placement in Cash‑Counting Team

Further investigation alleges that Tinnu used his position to recommend his relative Manish Kumar Yadav for a role in the highly sensitive cash‑counting team. This team is responsible for tallying, verifying, and depositing temple donations, giving its members direct access to large sums of cash. Investigators contend that this recommendation created a conduit for potential misappropriation.

Security and Surveillance Gaps

The report highlights multiple security failures, including inadequate supervision of CCTV footage, premature deletion of recordings after 45 days (against an audit recommendation to retain them for 180 days), and non‑compliance with mandatory bank protocols for counting personnel. These lapses severely weakened the ability to track donations and detect irregularities.

Accused Individuals and Potential Penalties

Based on the evidence gathered so far, the SIT has identified a prima facie case against Avinash Shukla, Tinnu Yadav, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey and Ramashankar Mishra for alleged theft, criminal misappropriation and breach of trust while handling temple donations. If the investigation proceeds, the accused could face stringent penalties under the Indian Penal Code.

This episode underscores the urgent need for transparent financial management and rigorous oversight in religious institutions, especially when public funds are involved. Strengthening audit mechanisms and enforcing strict procedural compliance are essential to restore public confidence.